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Justin Trudeau has won the endorsement of perhaps the most popular mayor in Canada’s history and a tireless advocate for cities — Hazel McCallion.

The former Mississauga mayor, now 94, stepped down last year after holding the office during five decades. But she’s still a hurricane of energy when it comes to advocating for her most passionate cause.

“I know Justin and I think he’s going to bring the change we need, especially for Canadian cities. He’s a strong, energetic leader,” she said.

McCallion said she likes Trudeau’s plan to invest in infrastructure, which has long been neglected, and the extra $60 billion he’s committed to the goal.

For more than 40 years, McCallion fought to get money from the federal government to help transform her city from a collection of rural townships into the country’s sixth-largest city, with almost 750,000 residents.

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But she says the Conservative government under Stephen Harper has failed to recognize the importance of building on the growth that she fought for.

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau greets former Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion in Brampton in August. McCallion has endorsed Trudeau as the federal leader who will "bring the change we need" to Canadian cities. (Steve Russell / Toronto Star) | Order this photo

“I don’t think Canadians struggling to make ends meet are too concerned with Ottawa balancing its budget just to win elections, while cities are crumbling and our infrastructure, under their watch, has become so heavily under-funded. Canadian cities are facing a $185-billon infrastructure deficit right now.”

“Canada’s economy relies on its cities running efficiently. New investments in infrastructure are key to making sure cities like those in the GTA stay competitive. As importantly, healthy infrastructure helps folks get to work on time and back home again to their families. We’ll work with cities to make sure they get the federal help they need to make infrastructure upgrades.”

McCallion’s endorsement can carry weight with voters. Her backing of Premier Kathleen Wynne was seen as instrumental in the provincial Liberals’ victory last year.

In the 2011 federal election, all six seats in Mississauga were won by the Tories. McCallion did not endorse a party that year.

McCallion, legendary for her ability to connect with constituents — she often won elections with more than 90 per cent of the vote — says she’s confident the Liberals will get the federal government’s priorities straight.

“People at home want the government to spend money, wisely, on infrastructure, to invest in cities and transportation and all the things that create growth and jobs. That’s exactly what Justin is going to do, just like Paul Martin when he gave cities a share of the gas tax. Now Justin will carry on that legacy for cities. We are the engines of the country. The Conservatives don’t seem to understand that.”

“She’s got her finger on the pulse with what’s happening in Mississauga. We are going to add $60 billion in infrastructure investment over the next 10 years. That will make a monumental difference in the quality of life for citizens in Mississauga,” he said.

Mississauga-Malton Liberal candidate Navdeep Bains said McCallion’s endorsement is a continuation of her partnership with the party from when he served as an MP under Martin.

“Hazel was very supportive of Paul Martin. Now, these new investments we will make are absolutely critical to Mississauga’s infrastructure.”

Bains mentioned the neglect of infrastructure under the Conservative government, as traffic gridlock has crippled his city, and even provincially funded programs such as affordable housing have received little help from Ottawa.

“Wait times in Peel for affordable housing are 15 to 20 years. We’re in a crisis. The Liberals are going to start investing in cities again.”

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